Every May, the State of Colorado and Pagosa Springs celebrate Historic Preservation Month.

The Town Historic Preservation Board (HPB) has held a youth poster contest for seventh-grade students for the last 10 years as part of their history class. This year, an impressive 30 entries were submitted for the poster contest, which was themed “Pathways to Pagosa Springs.”

The HPB reviewed all entries and awarded this year’s prizes to Nick Hutcherson, first place; Taylor Lee-Hammer, second place; and Leroy Black, third place. The HPB would like to thank all poster contest entrants for their participation and seventh-grade teacher Sally High for engaging her students.

Also, a youth scavenger hunt is currently underway, through May 13, in the downtown historic district. All age groups are encouraged to participate and the winner in each age group will be eligible for a prize. Answer sheets are available on the Town’s website, TownOfPagosaSprings.Com.

Last Saturday, Glenn Raby hosted his annual walking tour through historic downtown Pagosa Springs. As usual, this was a very popular activity. Unfortunately, Glenn is moving back to Louisiana to be close to his family, so we are looking for interested individuals to carry on the historic walking tour, maybe even expanding it throughout the summer months. You can contact the Town Planning Department at 264-4151, Ext. 225, if you are interested or know of someone who could guide an interpretive tour of the downtown historic district.

• Thursday, May 12 — Chimney Rock Interpretive Association potluck dinner and presentation at 6 p.m. at the Ross Aragon Community Center. Featured is Mona Charles speaking on the Archeology History of Fort Lewis. The event is open to the public and everyone is welcome. Bring something to share and enjoy a full evening of Chimney Rock history and information.

• Saturday, May 14 — Season Opening of San Juan Historical Museum, featuring a Heritage Quilt display. Located at 92 1st St., the San Juan Historical Museum provides displays of Pagosa Springs history and artifacts. A must-see while you are in town.

Saturday, May 14 — Red Ryder Movie Matinee at the Liberty Theatre at high noon. A small fee ($3) includes your popcorn, soda and the movie. Fred Harman II lived in Pagosa Springs while creating the famous Red Ryder comic strip, which was the inspiration for numerous movies and, of course, the famous “Red Ryder BB Gun” (careful, you’ll shoot your eye out). The Liberty Theatre is a designated Historic Building located in the downtown historic district at 418 Pagosa St.

• Sunday, May 15 — Chimney Rock Archaeological Area opens for the season with it’s famous Full Moon Program.

• Thursday, May 19 — Pagosa Springs History Speaker Series. “Pagosa Country, the first 50 years, Part 1” features local expert historian and author John Motter, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Ross Aragon Community Center. Cookies and coffee will be served. Everyone enjoys hearing John speak about Pagosa Springs history.

• Thursday, May 26 — Pagosa Springs History Speaker Series. “Pagosa Country, the first 50 years, Part 2,” with John Motter, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Ross Aragon Community Center. Cookies and coffee will be served.